Tag: Spearmint

Many people talk about them interchangeably, but spearmint and peppermint are actually two distinct plants (via Reluctant Gourmet). Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, a mint variety that we don’t see so much. What’s the difference between peppermint and spearmint plants? Peppermint contains 40% menthol while spearmint contains less than 1% menthol. This […]

Spearmint contains only a tiny fraction the amount of menthol as peppermint, which is the biggest source of change in flavor. Wintergreen is not actually a member of the mint family, instead being from the family gaultheria. Is green mint spearmint? Plant properties Peppermint has 40% menthol and spearmint has 0.5% menthol composition. Mint leaves […]

Peppermint can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. (The sphincter is the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach.) By relaxing the sphincter, peppermint may actually worsen the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Why does mint tea hurt my stomach? The menthol in […]

Mint brings a bright, bold flavor to recipes. On the savory side, spearmint is usually the mint of choice, however when it comes to sweet, peppermint is the herb of choice as it pairs well with chocolate and citrus flavors. Below, we’ve shared some of our favorite mint recipes. Can you replace mint with spearmint? […]

All plants in the mint family have square stems, so this is an easy place to start identifying this plant. Wild Mint can reach 1-2 meters in height. The leaves are opposite, and the direction that each pair of leaves face alternates along the stem. The leaves are toothed, and have prominent veins and a […]

1. Menthol: Both spearmint and peppermint contain menthol, but spearmint has 0.5 percent menthol while peppermint has forty percent menthol, giving peppermint its signature numbing flavor. Is peppermint same as mint? The main difference between mint and peppermint is that peppermint has the strongest flavour when compared to other members of the mint family. Mint […]

Field Mint Information: Learn About Wild Field Mint Growing Conditions. What is wild mint or field mint? Field mint (Mentha arvensis) is a wild mint that is native to the central part of the United States. The scent of this wild mint growing in a field is often so strong you can smell it long […]

Wild Mint is edible and is a useful foraging food for humans. The compound responsible for it’s distinct smell and taste (Menthol) is used in many products. Because mint can flower throughout the growing season, it is important food for pollinators. What can you do with wild spearmint? So if you have more mint on […]

Yes, dogs can eat fresh mint leaves. Mint is actually a family of plants, not just one specific one. We humans mostly use the peppermint and spearmint varieties and both of these are safe for dogs to eat. However, never feed your dog pennyroyal mint as this is toxic to dogs. Is spearmint plant toxic […]

That’s why gardening experts recommend planting mint in a separate container from other herbs and plants. However, you can plant different varieties of mint together. Mints such as spearmint, peppermint, catmint, orange mint, and lemon balm can all be grown together in a long container when evenly spread out. Can you plant two types of […]

Consider lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, cardamom and spearmint as these are all safe for your pup. When choosing oils, find a reputable brand of therapeutic grade oils. Can I diffuse spearmint around dogs? Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to […]

The Stats: Peppermint (mentha balsamea) may soothe your dog’s nausea and upset stomach, but in large quantities it can also cause liver or kidney problems. Similarly, spearmint (mentha spicata) can freshen your dog’s breath and repel fleas, but larger doses could cause diarrhea or vomiting, so proper portioning is key. Is spearmint OK for dogs? […]

Direct exposure to high temperatures can dry up mint leaves and turn them black. It is important to regulate it within its requirement from 69-84°F (21-29°C), but you need to shade it from the extreme temperature of the sun. It thrives well into warm and not too humid environments. Why is my mint plant turning […]

Minty fragrances are unpleasant to a mosquito’s keen senses. The mere presence of peppermint plants can ward off these pesky flying insects to some degree. You can also turn peppermint into a personal repellent by crushing the leaves and rubbing them on your skin. Does spearmint keep mosquitoes away? Peppermint, pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) and spearmint […]

If you want to get a nice reward for planting, plant mint. Peppermint, spearmint and lemon mint, in particular, are very aggressive plants. Those mint plants may take over your garden so plant them in a place where you can keep them under control. Some other unusual mints are not as aggressive. Does spearmint take […]

All varieties of mint, such as spearmint and pennyroyal, help to ward off spiders. You probably can guess why mint works so well – it’s aromatic. As soon as you get close to the plant, you can start to get whiffs of its scent. Put plants near your doors, windows, and patio to keep spiders […]

The most common cause of holes in mint leaves is pest attack. Flea beetles, mealybugs, aphids, caterpillars, and loppers are all pests that feed on the foliage of mint leaving holes in the leaves. What is wrong with my spearmint plant? Problems Affecting Mint Plants Some of the most common include aphids, spider mites, cutworms, […]

Is Mint a Perennial or Annual? Mint is a hardy perennial that is one of the first to arrive each spring. It also grows year-round in warmer climates; no dormancy period is needed. Mint thrives in both cool and warm climates, and it also retains its potency of flavor over the years. Does spearmint survive […]

Uses for Mint Leaves Make your own mint syrup. Mint syrup can be used to flavor your summer drinks, snow cones, desserts and more. Perk up your pesto. Utilize as an insect repellent. Chew for fresh breath. Give your potatoes some pop. Fancy up your beverages. Spice up your salads. Give your butter a boost. […]

Peppermint may help to promote good kidney function, but it’s not recommended for people who have kidney stones. Can spearmint tea cause kidney stones? Tea and coffee do contain some oxalate, but the amount of water in these drinks more than compensates. The two to three cups of mint tea you’re drinking a day (as […]